Fr. Tony on CC Radio talks NFPC & Convocation

Fr. Tony introduced NFPC to New Orleans/Baton Rouge on Catholic Community Radio’s Wake Up show, February 19, 2018

Catholic Community Radio’s Jeff Blackwell in Baton Rouge and Gaby Smith in New Orleans welcomed Fr. Tony to his first interview on the Wake Up morning show. Fr. Tony responded to Gaby’s opening inquiry by defining both Priests’ Councils and the NFPC. “Fifty years ago this year, those newly formed Councils that came out of Vatican II, got together and formed a Federation so that they could share best practices and take care of things on a national level.”

He continued, stating that every diocese in the U.S. is a member of NFPC, and some are also active or supporting dioceses who help by sending resources, like men to be a part of the Board, and also finances for NFPC’s operation.

Gaby asked about the National Convocation of Priests coming up in April in Chicago and she marveled at the “power house” of speakers. Father Tony responded that this year is our 50th anniversary and Chicago is where NFPC was founded, so we are “back home” for this celebration. He gave a brief overview of what NFPC offers for priests and encouraged anyone who wanted more details to go to nfpc.org, but he said, “the thing I am most proud of is always our Convocation.”

He reviewed the “amazing” speaker line-up including Archbishop Wilton Gregory and NFPC Episcopal Liaison Bishop Cepeda. With the Convocation theme of Looking Back – Looking Forward, “we really wanted to kind of recap what happened over the last 50 years, what has the NFPC been responsible for in the lives of priests over the last 50 years.”

Fr. Tony reviewed the Monday evening Historical Reminiscing Panel and contrasted it with the Wednesday morning State of the Presbyterate meeting where talk will be what’s going on in the church today. Then Sister Katarina Schuth will look forward, speaking on seminary formation and what priests will look like in the future.

Gaby turned the conversation to how NFPC’s services have benefitted priests through the years. Fr. Tony offered that because the NFPC President is the liaison to the USCCB, NFPC can bring issues to the bishops. Early on, NFPC lobbied and obtained a just wage for priests. Before that, priests received $30-$50 per month for pay. NFPC also helped institute Priest Personnel Boards so more people than just the bishop had some say in where a priest went. He stated that he often jokingly tells priests, “We’re responsible for the money in your pocket and the roof over your head.”

A code of ministerial conduct for priests exists because of NFPC, as does due process for both priests and the laity in church courts. Today NFPC has a program called Bishops and Priests in Council to help Priests’ Councils be the best instrument they can be to help their bishop. NFPC also has an annual Income Tax Guide for priests addressing their very specific tax needs.

Jeff asked about how the future looked for priests and the faithful. Fr. Tony shared that there is an uptick in seminary formation. Then in the northeast, Catholics face merging parishes as parishioners move south, in the south Catholics face building new parishes for the overflow.

Jeff concluded,”50 years of shepherding the shepherd, we’re very grateful for what you do.” Upon his request, Fr. Tony closed with a blessing.